Ex-Dem Bayonne mayor backs Hugin

Former Bayonne Mayor Richard Rutkowski has endorsed Republican Bob Hugin for the United States Senate, a move that marks a defection from the ranks of Hudson County Democrats and favorite son U.S. Senator Bob Menendez.

“Bob Hugin has demonstrated a genuine interest in putting divisive party politics aside to develop a bi-partisan consensus to address issues such as improving the health care system and getting Washington to be more responsive to the needs of people in New Jersey. I’m tired of watching the ineffective, partisan gamesmanship in our nation’s capital,” said Rutkowski. “As a former Army infantry officer, I believe it’s time to send in a Marine. It’s time to send in Bob Hugin,” said Rutkowski.

Rutkowski was elected mayor in 1990 after eight years as a councilman. He lost his bid for re-election in 1994 against Assembly Minority Leader Joseph Doria, and then two more rematch contests. Earlier this year, Rutkowski endorsed former Assemblyman Jason O’Donnell for mayor against incumbent Jimmy Davis.